IAAPA - What is it?

In all this Disney talk, you know what would really be of benefit - a standard set forth by their association that brings common accommodation standards to all American theme parks.  One that preserves access for those with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in people of all ages and meets their needs while having some level of fairness for those able bodied people who have to wait in line.

I think the move from GAC to DAS has been a step in that direction.  However, it was poorly vetted by Disney with stakeholders and disastrously rolled out.  As a point of law, there are reportedly obstacles in access for the disabled (the kiosks in California) that undermine compliance with ADA.  There is no indication that Disney is interested in incorporating feedback from visitors or engaging with advocacy groups like the ARC, the MS Society, or others that represent and have knowledge of the collective needs of their constituents.  In order to avoid lengthy conflict and possible litigation, they need to regroup and reevaluate what is working and what isn't.  

I get a little suspicious of DC based associations - I truly believe their first function is to lobby for the corporate interest.  That said, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions would be a fine organization to begin the dialog with and to get companies like Disney, SeaWorld, Six Flags, and Cedar Point to evaluate their existing programs and move to one common standard that would incorporate things like virtual queuing and educating groups to the law and the need for staff training while providing an opportunity for feedback from advocacy groups, physicians and therapeutic providers, and other stakeholders.  

I also think these advocacy groups, providers, and others who are knowledgeable or interesting in seeing how DAS is working at Disney should be shadowing families in the parks to see what is going on and how things can be improved for all.

Thoughts?